Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed allegations surrounding the death of nurse Mary Habila, describing claims of a cover-up as false and warning that those spreading the reports will face legal action.
Umahi made the remarks on Sunday while inspecting ongoing construction on the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway.
Addressing the incident, the minister said Habila’s family raised the alarm after they were unable to reach her and subsequently forced open the door to her room.
He said medical personnel from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital responded immediately and rushed her to the hospital, where efforts to resuscitate her proved unsuccessful.
“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to the hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,” Umahi said.
He added that the incident was promptly reported to the police, rejecting claims that the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death were concealed.
“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” he asked.
Umahi disclosed that he had directed that an autopsy be carried out to determine the cause of death, noting that the procedure would be conducted with the consent of the deceased’s parents.
He also revealed that he had instructed his lawyers to begin legal proceedings against individuals circulating what he described as false reports about the incident.
Describing Habila as a committed employee of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, the minister said her parents, who are currently in Ebonyi State, would address journalists and also pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading the alleged falsehoods.
